Kneel Day 15 Hear My Cry: Digging Deeper

1) The psalmist describes his life as a dry, desolate wilderness without water. Why is he experiencing this “wilderness”? (verse 1)
Sometimes we find ourselves in a barren wilderness because of our own sin, the world’s brokenness caused by sin, or someone else’s sin against us. Sin always brings death (James 1:15) and its affects impact us physically, mentally, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. For King David, the author of this psalm, his specific wilderness context is the result of another’s sin against him. His son, Absalom, was impatiently waiting to be king in his father’s stead. He gathered those faithful to him in Hebron to slay the king. David, hearing of the impending coup, fled Jerusalem and took his “mighty men” into the wilderness. David’s wilderness was now figurative of heart as well as literal in the Judean desert. It would be easy to feel alone, devastated, and abandoned like his heart had no sustenance as his own son sought his life. In Scripture, a wilderness is often the backdrop for intense experiences followed by divine provision. Exodus 16 describes the desperate need for food to survive the wilderness and the Lord’s gracious provision. In the wilderness, Elijah suffered depressing isolation, and was given the voice of the Lord. (1 Kings 19:11-13) Hagar and her son, Ishmael, were in danger of death by dehydration in the desert, but the Lord provided water and a lifelong legacy. (Genesis 21:8-21) Moses was convicted and called when he encountered the Great I AM on desolate wilderness hills. (Exodus 3) Their trek into the wilderness had only begun when God’s presence came to the fledgling nation of Israel with thunderous voice and trumpets on Mount Sinai and His law was given. (Exodus 19) It only seems fitting that it’s out of the wilderness God calls his prophet, John the Baptist, to “prepare the way of the Lord” for Salvation Himself was coming. (Isaiah 40:3-5)

2) How does the psalmist respond to his desolation and where does he find solace and sustenance? (verses 2-8)
The author obviously knew his God intimately; the satisfaction of God’s presence meant more than anything else. Even the pressing problem of his own son’s death threat against him took second place to David’s decision to worship. (verses 2-8) Temporarily removed from office, David trekked across the wilderness of Judah to his exile east of the Jordan. Even though the king’s political circumstances are dire, his spirituality vitality soars, “God, you are my God (…)” (verse 1) How magnificent to hear David claiming God as his own! The words are simple and childlike, but they contain a world of meaning. “My God”, demonstrates an intimate, deeply personal relationship, proving to be an abiding treasure in the face of barrenness. “My God”, speaks of a sufficient resource in EVERY crisis. David sought the Lord with fervor that neither could nor would be squelched by anything. The whole of David’s entire being crying out for fellowship with the Eternal One. David’s longing for God was as intense as a traveler in a dry, waterless land. David stirs himself to reach out and take hold of God through his ACTIVE FAITH. David laid his desolation before the Lord as his own, intimate God, and then proceeded to pray with fervent faith of his decision to choose steadfast worship over worry. Note the decision language David uses in verses 2-8, “I gaze”, “My lips will glorify”, “I will bless You”, “I will lift up my hands”, “My mouth will praise You”, “I think of You”, “I meditate on You”, “I will rejoice”, I follow close(ly)”. David recognizes God’s authority and delights in relationship with Him. Even in life-threatening crisis, David intentionally chose to be refreshed by God through adoring worship. (Psalm 100:4-5) David’s soul cried out, and God was with him.

3) The psalmist concludes his writings on wilderness with confident rejoicing. How is this realistic in the face of dry desolation? (verse 11)
After making his situation plain before the Lord in prayer, David boldly declared the firm belief he had grown to trust, “My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life.” (verse 3) Verses 4-8 describe actions David intentionally chose because he unswervingly believed God and His magnificent love were better than everything. Verses 9-10 tell of certain death awaiting all who don’t trust in David’s God. With resounding conclusion, David reiterates for all to hear, or even just to preach to himself with determination, “But the king will rejoice in God…”. (verse 11) David’s situation was dire, trapped in caves, fearful, alone, confused, and likely lacking supplies in the desert. Yet, his words ring of vibrant love, flooding praise, and refreshing thankfulness not for his deplorable circumstance, but for God’s constant presence which brought David life and, something else, hope. Hope strong enough to cause his heart to firmly choose rejoicing. This is powerful! David’s perspective had been strengthened in his wilderness season; with renewed vigor he clung again to the realization that only a relationship with the Eternal God was worth everything. While food options were limited, God satisfied him more than rich feasting. (verse 5) His conclusion? To praise God joyfully! David’s scenery had changed from palace gardens to desert sand, and from safety to sought after, but King David chose to rejoice in the King of Kings and His unchanging, steadfast heart of love. God did not waste David’s wilderness, He refined him in it. While David sat in a cave, he certainly wasn’t as productive as he could have been in the palace. Yet, in the forced slowness of his wilderness, God gave David such insights into His good heart that David penned some of David’s most profoundly beautiful psalms of rejoicing!